Arusha National Park, located in northern Tanzania, it offers a wide range of landscapes, wildlife, and adventure activities. It is the smallest park in Tanzania. However, Arusha National Park boasts a unique blend of habitats, from lush montane forests to savannah plains and volcanic landscapes. In this comprehensive Article, we will talk about the location, activities, attractions, best time to visit, transportation options, and accommodation choices available in Arusha National Park of Tanzania.
Location of Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park is situated in northern Tanzania, approximately 32 kilometers, northeast of the city of Arusha. Covering an area of 552 square kilometers, the park is in between the peaks of Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro, making it an ideal starting point for any trekking adventures in the region.
Activities done in the Arusha National Park
blue monkey at Arusha national park
With its strategic location, the park offers several unique activities that leave unforgettable experience. Here are some of the main activities available in the park:
Game Drives
Embark on game drives through the park’s unique habitats, including montane forests, grassy plains, and crater lakes. Led by experienced guides, game drives offer you an opportunity to spot a wide range of wildlife, including buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, warthogs, and primates plus birds with the guide ensuring your safety.
Walking Safaris
You can explore the park on foot with guided walking safaris, offering a more intimate and immersive experience of the wilderness up-close. Walking safaris provide opportunities to encounter wildlife in proximity, learn about the park’s flora and fauna, and appreciate its natural beauty from a different perspective of world. Rangers accompany visitors on walking safaris, ensuring safety and educating them on the park’s ecology and conservation efforts.
Canoeing at Arusha National Park
Tourist enjoying bird view in the canoe
Discover the beauty of Arusha National Park’s Momella Lakes with a guided canoeing excursion. Move across the tranquil waters of the lakes, the lake is surrounded by green vegetation, and you will be able to view Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro. Canoeing offers a unique opportunity to observe aquatic life like flamingos, herons, and kingfishers, hippos and other wildlife along the shores.
Hiking
In case you are looking for a unique adventure, Arusha National Park offers different hiking trails suitable for all fitness levels. The most popular hike is the ascent of Mount Meru. This is the fifth-highest peak in Africa, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape from its summit. Other hiking trails lead to scenic viewpoints, waterfalls, and crater lakes, providing opportunities for exploration and discovery from distance.
Cultural Tours
Get to know the cultural heritage of the people surrounding the park. Visit Maasai villages, where you can interact with Maasai people, learn about their traditional way of life, and participate in cultural activities such as beadwork, dancing, and storytelling. Cultural tours offer insights into Maasai traditions, beliefs, and customs, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
Attractions in Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park is home to a variety of natural and cultural attractions that showcase its unique beauty and biodiversity. Here are some must-visit attractions in the park:
Mount Meru
The highlight of Arusha National Park is Mount Meru. It is an active stratovolcano and the second-highest peak in Tanzania. Mountain Meru offers spectacular hiking opportunities, with trails leading through montane forests, alpine meadows, and volcanic landscapes to the summit. Hikers can enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding plains, lakes, and distant Mount Kilimanjaro from the summit of Mount Meru. All in all, you will have a clear view of the entire surroundings.
Ngurdoto Crater
Ngorongoro crater at Arusha National Park
Formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, Ngurdoto Crater is a scenic caldera located in the Centre of Arusha National Park. The crater is surrounded by lush forests and dotted with seven small Momella lakes. These alkaline lakes were formed because of volcanic debris. This makes it a haven for wildlife. Visitors can enjoy game drives around the rim of the crater, observing animals such as buffaloes, elephants, and baboons against the backdrop of the crater walls.
Momella Lakes
Scattered across the park’s grassy plains are the Momella Lakes, a series of 7 shallow alkaline lakes known for their vibrant colors and abundant birdlife. The lakes are home to a variety of bird species, including flamingos, herons, egrets, and ducks, making them a paradise for birdwatchers. Visitors can explore the lakes by canoe, observing wildlife and enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Montane Forests
Arusha National Park is characterized by lush montane dense forests that cloak the slopes of Mount Meru and provide habitat for a variety of wildlife. The forests are home to numerous bird species, including turacos, barbets, and sunbirds, as well as primates such as blue monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys. Visitors can hike through the forests, listening to the calls of birds and spotting monkeys swinging through the trees.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Arusha National Park is rich in cultural heritage, with several sites of historical and cultural significance. Visitors can explore ancient rock paintings and archaeological sites, learning about the park’s early inhabitants and their way of life. Cultural heritage tours offer insights into the history, traditions, and customs of the indigenous peoples who have called this area home for thousands of years.
Best Time to Visit Arusha National Park
The best time to visit Arusha National Park largely depends on your interests and preferences. However, the dry season, which runs from June to October, is generally considered the optimal time for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities. During this time, vegetation is sparse, making wildlife easier to spot, and the weather is mild and dry, ideal for hiking and other outdoor
How to reach the Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park is conveniently located near the city of Arusha, making it easily accessible for visitors arriving by air, road, or even by train. Here are the main transportation options for reaching Arusha National Park:
By Air:
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
The nearest major airport to Arusha National Park is Kilimanjaro International Airport, located approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) from the park. This airport serves both domestic and international flights, making it a convenient gateway for travelers arriving from abroad or other parts of Tanzania.
Arusha Airport (ARK)
For those traveling domestically within Tanzania, Arusha Airport is a closer option located just 30 kilometers (19 miles) from the park. Domestic airlines offer flights to Arusha Airport from major cities such as Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and Serengeti, providing convenient access to Arusha National Park.
By Road
Private Vehicle
One of the most common ways to reach Arusha National Park is by private vehicle or rental car. The park is easily accessible via well-maintained roads from the city of Arusha, which is approximately 37 kilometers (23 miles) away. From Arusha, visitors can follow the A7 highway towards Moshi and then turn onto the B144 road leading to the park entrance.
Public Transportation at Arusha National Park
Alternatively, visitors can take public transportation such as minibuses or taxis from Arusha to the park entrance. Minibuses, known as “Dala Dalas,” operate on fixed routes and offer an affordable option for budget travelers. Taxis are also available for hire and provide a more comfortable and convenient mode of transportation.
By Train
Tanzania Railways Corporation
While not as commonly used as air or road transportation, train travel is another option for reaching Arusha National Park. The Tanzania Railways Corporation operates passenger trains that connect major cities and towns in Tanzania, including Arusha. Travelers can take a train to Arusha and then arrange for onward transportation to the park entrance.
Regardless of the mode of transportation chosen, visitors to Arusha National Park can expect a scenic journey through Tanzania’s picturesque landscapes, with opportunities to spot wildlife along the way.
Accommodation Options at Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every preference and budget, ranging from luxury lodges to tented camps and budget-friendly guesthouses. Here are some of the accommodation choices available within and around the park:
Serengeti Safari Lodge
Located within the park boundaries, Serengeti Safari Lodge offers panoramic views of Mount Meru and the surrounding wilderness. The lodge is nestled on the edge of the Ngurdoto Crater, providing a tranquil retreat amidst nature.
Arusha Serena Hotel
Situated in the city of Arusha, just a short drive from the park entrance, Arusha Serena Hotel offers a convenient base for exploring Arusha National Park and its surroundings. The hotel is set amidst lush gardens, providing a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.
Mount Meru Hotel
Located in the heart of Arusha, Mount Meru Hotel is within easy reach of Arusha National Park and other popular tourist destinations in the region. The hotel is set amidst landscaped gardens, offering a serene environment for relaxation and exploration.
Tented Camps and Lodges
For those seeking a more rustic and immersive safari experience, there are several tented camps and lodges located near the park entrance. These camps offer comfortable tented accommodation with ensuite facilities, as well as dining areas, lounges, and outdoor seating areas where guests can relax and unwind amidst nature.
Budget-Friendly Guesthouses at Arusha National Park
Travelers on a budget can find affordable guesthouses and hostels in the city of Arusha, offering basic accommodation and amenities at reasonable prices. These guesthouses provide a convenient base for exploring Arusha National Park and other attractions in the area, with easy access to public transportation and tour operators.